Symptoms of melanoma – What should you look for?

In grade school, you learned your ABCs and now it’s time you knew your ABCDEs (a guide to spotting melanoma). The acronym stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolution (change).Symptoms of melanoma and other skin cancers vary from person to person, but if you suspect that a spot on your skin falls within the guidelines above or fits the descriptions below, talk to your doctor right away. Note that not all skin cancers and melanomas fall into these categories, so use this information as a general outline of what to look for when you #GETNAKED for your monthly self-screenings. If you have naturally darker skin, it’s important to note that melanoma most often occurs on non-exposed skin with less pigment, like the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, mucous membranes and nail regions (hands and feet).

A change on the skin—this could be a new spot, or a change in color, shape or size of a current spot

A spot, sore or mole that doesn’t heal

A spot, sore or mole that becomes painful or tender

A mole that becomes itchy or begins to bleed

A spot, sore, mole or lump that looks shiny, waxy, smooth or pale

A firm red lump that bleeds or appears ulcerated or crusty

A flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly

A black/dark spot or streak under a fingernail or toenail (that doesn’t come from previous trauma to the nail)

Pay attention to your skin and know what is normal for YOU! Bring any mole or lesion that is new or changing to the attention of your dermatologist right away.

Choose a dermatologist who has experience with or specializes in melanoma.

– S A D Y E E V Y N R E I S H

SOURCE: All information in this post is from the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), which started #GETNAKED as an early detection campaign designed to raise awareness about melanoma and the importance of being proactive—instead of reactive—about your health. According MRF, catching melanoma early can save your life.

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Comments

Thank you for pointing out that the person needs to pay attention to their own skin and make sure that they go to the dermatologist the moment they notice something that is not normal. My sister has been complaining about a lesion that she felt on her lower back. She said that it is from an injury that should have recovered ages ago. It might be best if I take her to the professional to see what this is.